Beta and Early Test Programs
Current CICS products are in a perpetual state of both service, and new development. As new releases are being developed, and prepared for general field consumption, IBM may provide one or more early program offering to allow customers and/or Business Partners (BP) and Independent Software Vendors (ISV) the opportunity to work with that code. These programs are usually confidential in nature, as they occur prior to public announcement of the product. These programs provide early access advantages to those involved by giving them the ability to exercise new function in their own environment, receive early education, working directly with development and affirming the usability and functionality of the new release. We also encourage feedback that will guide us in delivering an even better product to our customers.
There are generally two types of CICS products early programs:
1. Beta programs, primarily for the end use, customer community, and
2. Early Test Program (ETP) for our BP/ISV community.
Beta Programs - customers
As new releases of CICS products are developed, IBM may offer a beta program to provide customers with early access to new CICS functionality. The early test code must not be used in a production environment, but is made available to participants to validate in their own environment. The objectives of providing a beta program for CICS products are, at a minimum:
- To gain Marketing references for the new product
- To give IBM CICS customers early access to the new function in CICS products
- To help/assist customers learn about and use the new function to their business advantage
- To assist IBM Marketing & Strategy in satisfying customer requirements
- To provide feedback to Development, Marketing & Sales on current features, deployability, and performance
- To test the code in various and unique environments
- To help ensure that the code functions as designed and developed
- To assist with validation that the new product is ready for General Availability (GA)
There is no charge for participation in a CICS product beta program, but IBM reserves the right to change this program at any time. IBM also reserves the right to change the plan, product content or schedule at any time. If you have interest in participating in future CICS beta programs, please send an email to: cicsep@uk.ibm.com for more information. Include your company name, your position and your particular area of interest (eg. CICS Transaction Server, CICS Transaction Gateway, CICS Tools, etc.)
Early Test Programs (ETP) - BPs and ISVs
As new releases of CICS products are developed, IBM may offer an ETP to provide IBM Business Partners and Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) early access to new CICS functionality. The early test code must not be used in a production environment, but is made available to ETP participants to validate their products? functionality with new CICS deliverable.
The objectives of providing an ETP for CICS products are, at a minimum:
- To give IBM Business Partners and ISVs early access to the new function in the CICS product
- To help/assist ISVs prepare their complimentary products for "day one" support of new releases of CICS products at General Availability (GA)
- To assist Marketing & Strategy in satisfying ISV and BP requirements
- To provide feedback to Development, Marketing & Sales on current features, deployability, and performance
- To test the code in various and unique development environments
- To ensure that the code functions as designed and developed
- To assist with validation of the ISVs? products GA readiness
There is no charge for participation in a CICS product ETP, but IBM reserves the right to change this program at any time. IBM also reserves the right to change the plan, product content or schedule at any time.
For the most current plan, schedule, any questions or concerns, please contact the CICS ETP team at CICSETP@uk.ibm.com. Include your company name, your position and your particular area of interest (eg. CICS Transaction Server, CICS Transaction Gateway, CICS Tools, etc.)
